Lionel Messi once again delivered a masterclass performance, guiding Inter Miami to their second trophy in the club’s short history as they clinched the Supporters’ Shield in a dramatic 3-2 win over Columbus Crew. Lionel Messi’s brilliance shone as he netted two goals, sealing the Herons’ place at the top of the MLS standings.
The win was a testament to Lionel Messi’s impact on the Miami squad, particularly after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the final of the summer’s Copa America. With a well-executed strike assisted by Jordi Alba and a stunning free kick, Messi showed why he remains one of the world’s best, even in MLS.
Lionel Messi’s First-Half Brilliance Seals Early Lead
The first half of the match saw Lionel Messi lead Miami to a commanding 2-0 advantage. After a goalless start, Messi broke the deadlock when a lofted pass from Jordi Alba found him in perfect position. Despite pressure from a Columbus defender, Messi controlled the ball with grace, slotting it past Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for the opener.
Just minutes later, Messi stepped up for a free kick after a foul on Luis Suarez. From 18 yards out, Messi curled a beautiful shot into the back of the net, leaving Schulte no chance to react. The double strike from the Argentine captain showcased his unparalleled precision and vision, giving Inter Miami a comfortable lead going into halftime.
Columbus Crew’s Fightback and Miami’s Resilience
Columbus Crew wasted no time in responding after the break. Within 21 seconds of the second half, Diego Rossi capitalized on a deflection to score for Columbus, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal gave the reigning MLS Cup champions some hope of a comeback, but Inter Miami quickly regained control.
In a bizarre moment of defensive miscommunication, Columbus defender Rudy Camacho collided with his own keeper, allowing Suarez to pounce and score Miami’s third goal. While Columbus managed to score again from the penalty spot, courtesy of Cucho Hernandez, they struggled to maintain momentum, especially after Camacho’s red card for a reckless tackle.
Late Drama and Miami’s Triumph in Securing the Shield
The match was far from over as Columbus earned another penalty late in the game after Miami defender Ian Fray committed a handball. With the chance to equalize, Hernandez opted to place his penalty in the same spot as his first successful attempt, but this time Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial save, preserving Miami’s 3-2 lead.
In the final minutes of added time, Columbus pushed hard for an equalizer, but Miami’s defense held strong. When the final whistle blew, Miami celebrated their victory, securing the coveted Supporters’ Shield. This win solidified their top seeding in the MLS Cup playoffs, marking another milestone in the club’s meteoric rise under Messi’s leadership.
Lionel Messi’s Leadership Shines as Inter Miami Claim Another Trophy
Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been undeniable since joining the MLS side. With the Supporters’ Shield victory, Messi now boasts two major trophies with Inter Miami, having also won the Leagues Cup in his debut season. In the match against Columbus Crew, Messi’s overall performance stood out beyond his two goals—his passing accuracy of 83% and the fact that he won five duels on the field showcased his influence across the game.
After the match, Messi expressed his desire for more success with the club, hinting at the team’s ambition to continue adding silverware this season. This victory reflects Messi’s leadership both on and off the pitch, guiding his team to triumphs and maintaining the high standards he set during his illustrious career in Europe.
Fan Reactions: Messi Continues to Amaze the World
Fans and pundits alike took to social media to praise Messi’s remarkable performance in Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield victory. His stunning free-kick, in particular, garnered widespread acclaim, with many declaring the goal as vintage Messi. One fan commented, “Messi is not a human being,” while another exclaimed, “We’ve been overfed,” emphasizing how accustomed the world has become to his brilliance.
Inter Miami shared celebratory moments from the win on their official social media channels, including a video of head coach Gerardo Martino lifting the trophy before handing it over to Messi, the player of the match. The celebration was filled with excitement as Messi and his teammates reveled in their latest achievement, leaving fans eager to see what more the Argentine legend can accomplish with the MLS side
